How to glue Acrylic

[pkfilseth]

Really stupid question ... but how do you open the darn can of acrylic cement? There's a tough metal seal that says "Cut This Out," but I have no idea how to do that. It's too tough for a knife. I'm worried that this is a can of solvent, and that I'm going to end up spraying this stuff everywhere just trying to get into the can. I'm sure lots of you experienced folks are laughing like crazy at this question :-) , but for a non-savvy newbie, this is a temporary show stopper.

[tapplastics]

@pkfilseth That is not a stupid question. There are a couple of methods of removing the seal. One is to take the tip of a pair of pliers and gently squeeze the lip of the can and the seal while prying toward the center of the can. In doing so, the pliers will slip over the lip of the can and grab the seal, which can then be pulled off.

[tapplastics]

The second method is to use a hammer and a screwdriver or ice pick. Carefully drive the screwdriver or ice pick through the seal, then pry it off. When doing this, cover the top of the can with a gloved hand to prevent a possible splash, and wear safety glasses whenever working with chemicals.

[KoolAide187]

So the cement isn't a glue and it welds the 2 pieces together. So basically it's like a chemical that melts the acrylic together? I am trying to get a better understanding of this stuff for acrylic work.

[tapplastics]

@KoolAide187 That is a good description of what happens.

[will20091995]

may you answer this question please

how your tank is glued ? with silicon or what ?

the guy who makes my tank said it cant be done by silicon so can you help please please please

[tapplastics]

@will20091995 Silicone is commonly used with glass tanks with a frame to provide structural support. Acrylic is glued with acrylic cement as described in the video.

[KeeperOfTheGood]

I am very new to this. Is there a mixed materials version of this cement? Some situations I have on hand at the moment is the need to glue HDPE to acrylic and CPVC to acrylic (crazy glues just snap apart). On a second project involving a water reservoir would silicone tubing be bondable to an acrylic box? I also have a 2x2x12 inch block of nylon that I have no intentions with at the moment but should ask about as well.

[tapplastics]

@KeeperOfTheGood Each combination you describe would require a different adhesive. Some adhesives are solvent based, and weld the pieces together, as described in this video.  Others behave as glues, holding the parts together with their ability to 'stick'. HDPE can best be bonded with TAP Poly-Weld, available at our website. Space does not permit a complete answer here. Contact TAP Plastics for more information.

[MichelleMassecre]

Do acrylic sheets bend over time?

I'm making an extension to my turtle's tank, so if I use a piece as the floor, will it eventually bend as he uses it?

[tapplastics]

@MichelleMassecre It depends on the thickness, span, and the amount of weight. The proper thickness will remain flat.



[TwentyEightySeven]

I tested something called Poly Cement / Butyl Acetate (designed for plastic model kits) on acrylic and it didn't stick at all. Is Acrylic Cement a totally different kind of solution? and does it hold super strong even when joining pieces next to each other (not at 90 degrees)?

[tapplastics]

@TwentyEightySeven Acrylic cement is not a glue. It is a solvent that literally welds the two pieces of acrylic together. The key to a strong bond is good surface contact between the two pieces. Acrylic cement does not fill gaps.

[Dmon1Unl]

hi, i was wondering, does this work with ABS plastic?

i had an exam, and i mentioned joining two shapes cut out of a sheet of ABS together with acrylic cement

[tapplastics]

@Dmon1Unl Acrylic cement will bond ABS, but ABC cement is better. If there is not much surface contact between the two pieces, use a thickened cement that can fill gaps.

[alohachristine]

I learned so much from this video. I'm glad I found it. Thank you!

[canadianhotbod1]

I am building a 250 gallon plywood aquarium. What thickness of Acrylic should I use and What would that cost? the tank is made from 3/4 in plywood sealed with silicone and water proof epoxy ( glass thickness and size I would use is 5/8 in. 25" tall X 70.5" long and cost me $180.00 before tax)

[tapplastics]

@canadianhotbod1 It is not clear what the design of your aquarium is, so we cannot specify a thickness. Keep in mind that 250 gallons weighs 2000 pounds! This is not a project to take lightly, so to speak. As far as pricing goes, we have 1/2" and 3/4" thick acrylic. The 3/4" thick piece with your dimensions would cost about $390.

[rcpete22]

Hello,

Thank you for the great videos! They're all very helpful and informative.

I'm currently working on a project with acrylic, and will be gluing several small pieces. I have been studying your videos as well as reading the info on your website, but am having trouble deciding which adhesive to use.

All the parts will be laser cut, so TAP Acrylic Cement is not best as you warned it will craze. What about Weld-On 4? Will that craze? How is that applied? What would be best for laser cuts?

[tapplastics]

@rcpete22 Gluing laser cut pieces is risky. The heat from the laser chemically changes the edge of the acrylic. Whether it is enough of a change to cause crazing or not varies from piece to piece. We have seen laser cut edges glued successfully, and we have seen them craze.

[tapplastics]

To reduce the risk of crazing, the edge can be sanded or routed to remove the polished surface. Even this is not a guarantee, but it can help.  The chemistry of gluing with TAP Acrylic Cement and Weld-On 4 is the same. TAP Acrylic Cements dries a bit quicker than Weld-On 4, but otherwise they function the same. In warm locations, the longer drying time of #4 can yield a stronger bond.

[jayvalenti95]

Is this waterproof.... Great Video!!

[tapplastics]

@jayvalenti95 yes

[Mmmkay15]

Nice guide, perfect solution for my project ^_^

[adrian17663]

hello my name is Adrian I have a question how long does it takes for the acrylic joints to form or weld in one piece?

[tapplastics]

@adrian17663 The joint 'tacks up' almost immediately. However, full strength requires 24 hours.

[frukc]

If acrylic parts were cut by laser cnc, can they be 'glued' like this? How strong will be the joint placed under mechanical stress and vibrations, if 'glued' properly? - Can I use this technique to 'glue' some parts of light machinery like small engraving mill?

ty! good tutorial!

[tapplastics]

@frukc Acrylic pieces that have been flame polished or laser cut are very susceptible to crazing, as described in the video. Generally, a laser cut edge should first be routed, to remove the lasered edge, before gluing. When properly glued, the two pieces actually become one and the glue joint is as strong as the acrylic itself. Properly glued pieces do not break on the glue joint.

[ShuttleSpaceCA]

Really good video lesson!

[kiemquach]

Dear sir, please quotation your product, my application exactly same like this video. send me email with :kiemquach@industrialsolution.­asia; kiemquach@yahoo.com

tel : +84937281106

[tapplastics]

@kiemquach You can find our product prices at our website.

[dimitriosart]

Hello, I always love your videos. Question: I want to make some channel lettering this way. have a flat cut out letter and then glue a thinner strip along the edge. How soon does this cement glue? Is it a matter of seconds? Would this way be acceptable for making channel letters? Also, do you have the acrylic sheets (colored) and thin strips of it as well? Thanks!

[tapplastics]

@dimitriosart The acrylic cement will tack up almost immediately and will achieve almost full cure in 24 hours. If you are working with acrylic, acrylic cement will provide a permanent bond. We carry a large variety of colors and thicknesses. We can cut it to your specifications. You can see pricing at our website or call our 800 number.

[garrymiller1975]

which would be best to make a 90 gallon fish tank ? Ive got the 1/4 inch acrylic but sh@t scared of making the wrong choice in glue r cement ? thanks for any replies .

[tapplastics]

@garrymiller1975 A 90 gallon fish tank will contain nearly 1/2 ton of water! 1/4" acrylic will not do the job. You would need at least 1/2" thick material. This is definitely not a project appropriate for a first time experience in plastic fabrication. Your best bet is to have one made for you, or buy a pre-made mass produced model for much less money.

[MELDtoys]

VERY informative. Thanks again!

[ryjack26]

what is better, weld on 16 or weld on 4, im looking for a strong water thin liquid that i can apply like u show in this video. thanks

[tapplastics]

@ryjack26 Weld-on 16 is a thickened cement similar to the glue used on model airplanes and cars. Weld-on 3 and 4 are water-thin, producing joints with no visible adhesive. Weld-on 3 and 4 and TAP Plastics Acrylic Cement produce the best glue joints where there is good surface contact.

[tapplastics]

@ryjack26 Weld-on 16 is a thickened cement similar to the glue used on model airplanes and cars. Weld-on 3 and 4 are water-thin, producing joints with no visible adhesive. Weld-on 3 and 4 and TAP Plastics Acrylic Cement produce the best glue joints where there is good surface contact.

[Diegog5]

Thank you for the Video, this is really helpful.

[shuddersome]

Could you use this to glue to pieces of acrylic together to make a Thicker piece of acrylic? The pieces would be 20" x 20". I need 1.5" thick, and it is cheaper to buy thinner pieces. If this is possible, would it still be completely clear after bonding?

[tapplastics]

@shuddersome Gluing pieces together as you describe (it is called 'laminating') can be done, but not without bubbles. It is virtually impossible to lay the pieces on top of each other without trapping air. The final product will be strong, but will not look like one piece.

[DANNYTOPDOG]

could you flame the edge to smooth it rather than sanding or routing then glue it down

[tapplastics]

@DANNYTOPDOG NEVER flame polish before gluing. The end result will be severe crazing. Crazing is the appearance of tiny cracks in the plastic. To see crazing happen, flame polish a piece of acrylic then rub the edge with rubbing alcohol or acetone and watch what happens almost immediately. That is what would happen if you glue after flaming.

[Squad2ND]

Thank you TAP! That was really a awesome presentation of what you can do with acrylics! I'm myself looking into making some computer cases made out of acrylic and this video was extremely helpful. I had NO idea that "glued" the pieces together like that!

[serchmarc]

hello ,could you tell me what the proper name for a thinner sheet of that material?i want to replace my car windshield with that amterial but the people who sale this materials told me ,that material will turn yellow with the time,i can believe that if im under the sun 4hours straight but i take care of the material and doesnt expose to the sun could be ok will last a few years?and if i put on the acrylic windshield a transparent vinyl is possible to glue those materials?

[tapplastics]

@serchmarc First check to see if it is legal to use acrylic or polycarbonate for a windshield. Acrylic will last longer in the sunlight than regular polycarbonate, both will show scratches from particles hitting your windshield as you drive more so polycarbonate than acrylic. Attaching vinyl to acrylic will affect the visibility. Check more information on Acrylic AR and Polycarbonate AR in our website.

[GAZ8121]

Hi mate, thanks for the quick reply, the edges are definently smooth, square and vertical when i glue. i cant glue from both sides because im making a fish tank. the acrylic is 1/2 thick. but i have been taping the joint together with masking tape first, do you think this could be holding the two pieces too tighty?

Thanks

[tapplastics]

@GAZ8121 You might be holding the pieces too tight. For thick material, we often use the 'pin method'. In this method, you take some paper clips and hammer one end as flat as you can. Then, set your vertical piece in position, but on a couple of these flattened paper clips. Apply the cement and it will flow into the larger gap. Let it soak a minute or so, then carefully pull the pins out letting the piece drop into place. Check out our Product Bulletin #2 in our website for other methods.

[GAZ8121]

hi, im doing the same as what your doing with the acrylic, routeing in down so its all nice and smooth and square, but when i inject the acrylic glue its not sucking all the way through in places, please could you let me no what im doing wrong? thanks

[tapplastics]

@GAZ8121 It is difficult to answer your question without seeing what you are doing. Here are a few thoughts. If you are using thick material, you may need to apply glue from both sides. Second, air gaps are usually a sign of unevenness or edge roughness. Again, applying the cement from both sides might help.  Finally, make sure the vertical piece is not an an angle, causing part of the joint to be open.

[bobbysam232]

what was the thickness of the acrylic used?

will the solvent/glue used keep back water like making a reservoir or does it need more support?

[tapplastics]

@bobbysam232 Several different thicknesses of acrylic were used in the video. Properly done glue joints are water proof. The amount (and thus the weight) of the water will determine the thickness of the material you need to use.

[novaphoenix70]

Very informative. Thanks for the video!

[p166y123]

hi i was wondering how strong is the bond ie what wieght could it hold

regards andrew

[Urtaget]

Very Educative video! I rated good!

[phreaktor1]

Excellent video. Will this type of glue work to bond an endcap flush with the end of a 4" diameter 1/8" thick tube? Basically forming a tall drinking glass. The tube will hold liquid.

[tapplastics]

Yes, be sure to sand the end of the tube for a flat smooth finish, the proper glue and acrylic is what makes fish tanks.

[ModGameAirsoft]

I can see exactly what cement you used in the little container that you use, what brand is that?

IPS Weld-On 3 Cement?

TAP Acrylic Cement?

[NewEraKAK]

Ah cool thankyou duude :D

Im doing it with tensol cement anyway :D

[OldTimeyJunk]

THANK YOU TAP PLASTICS!! I found this solution very easy although I have not tried it yet. I live in the UK so I am using another cement like it!

[akyshizzl]

@OldTimeyJunk hi, i live in UK too, Leeds, which cement are you using?

[joncoppola28]

>>>This is by far, the best tutorial anywhere. I've never cut or welded acrylic before. At least for art sake.

I used to make skylights, so I have an idea, but we never used weld on 16. All plastic welding was done with large machines and ovens.

Thanks a lot for tips!

[NewEraKAK]

Hey wondered whether you could laminate 10 pieces of acrylic on top of each other using a glue gun?

[tapplastics]

@NewEraKAK You could certainly 'stick' pieces together that way, but it would be ugly and not as strong of a bond.

[LMarie3333]

Is it possible to laminate two 1/4" pieces together to make a 1/2" piece using this technique?

[tapplastics]

It is possible, but difficult with clear material. Getting the bubbles out is the big challenge. If you are gluing opaque material, then the bubbles don't matter and it will work fine. With pieces 3" X 36" you might be able to carefully lay one piece on top of the other, starting from one end and squeezing the glue and bubbles forward as you lower the piece.

[LMarie3333]

Will this technique work for face laminating acrylic pieces together? I have two pieces of 1/4" thick and would like to make it 1/2" thick, by about 3" wide and 36" long. Any suggestions? And then would flame polishing help hide the lamination seam?

[tapplastics]

See answer above. The most important part of hiding the seam is to route and sand the edges so that the seam cannot be felt. The seam would also need to be bubble free. Otherwise there will be gaps between the two pieces.

[175myles]

Where do i find acrylic? I live in Australia. And would acrylic be suitable for small baby fish storage untill i get glass tanks?

[tapplastics]

@175myles You can order them on our website.

[aaH34V3NLY]

@175myles i wouldnt bother witha plastic tank. the rocks scratch the hell out of acrylic. you could possibbly try MR10 polycarb (it is apparently scratch resistant)

[stokestack]

How much pressure should one apply when applying the glue? I glued an assembly together while applying a decent amount of pressure. On trying to rout one edge with a flush-trim bit, the glued piece flew off and I could see that glue did not penetrate the entire contact area. Nor did the bond look particularly well formed.

One surface was the glossy side, and the other had been sanded well with at least 400-grit paper. It had been dry for days.

[tapplastics]

@stokestack The weight of the piece of plastic is all the pressure that is needed. Any extra pressure can squeeze the glue out of the joint. You also mentioned sanding the edge. Sanding almost always rounds an otherwise flat edge. This will severely weaken the joint. When you squeeze the glue into the joint, the joint should go clear with no bubbles. This indicates good surface contact and a strong bond.

[WTFcrewvideos]

hello . can you use weld on 16 to glue clear shd 40 pvc to clear acrylic? if not then whats is good to do so? thanks for any info!!!

[tapplastics]

@WTFcrewvideos Yes, Weld-On 16 will bond PVC to acrylic.

[tapplastics]

@ParadiseBlue369 If the two pieces are clean and mate together without gaps, it should glue up just fine. That is assuming there is enough surface area to bond. If it is very thin material, or there is little surface area, the bond might not be strong enough.

We do not have any retail locations in Canada. You can order our products from our website.

[ParadiseBlue369]

Thank you for responding. Your videos are very helpful. Gave me ideas on how I can possibly fix it.

Thanks.

Happy New Year.

[stokestack]

Good video.

I tried flame-polishing the edge of some black acrylic with a small butane torch. Regardless of how much or how little I exposed the edge to the flame, it never flowed; it merely crazed and ignited. I realize that this torch is not as hot as the ones you recommend, but the fact that the plastic ignited makes me wonder about this method.

[tapplastics]

@stokestack Butane is much too cool a flame to polish acrylic. Butane burns at about 1900 degrees F. MAPP Gas is recommended because it burns at about 3500 degrees F, over 1000 degrees hotter. With a lower temperature, you have to hold the flame in one place to generate enough heat, and by then the plastic ignites. With a high temperature, the flame moves so quickly that the surface melts (thus flame polished) , but does not ignite.

[aaH34V3NLY]

an oxy-acetylene will do it. if not, a buffed edge comes up nice on black acrylic.

[yanelyarrieta]

Hello!

I have a couple of questions,

How can I prevent bubbles when gluing two clear acrylic pieces together and Should I flame polish before or after I glue?

Thank you!

[tapplastics]

@yanelyarrieta You did not mention the size of the piece you want to glue. In general, if you follow the video, the water thin Acrylic Cement will flow into the joint without any bubbles. Sometimes applying the glue from both sides of the joint improves success.

Flame polishing should always be last because Acrylic Cement applied to a polished piece will craze it. Make sure any cement is thoroughly dry before flame polishing, or that will cause crazing as well.

[MasterJezzie]

Can I use the glue used for PVC pipes?

[tapplastics]

@MasterJezzie We don't recommend it, but you can try to see if it meets your needs.

[RUPoop]

How do you use weld-on 16? Will it work with colored acrylic? Do you need to you pressure on the pieces? Could you give me a few tips please

[tapplastics]

If you have ever assembled model car or airplane kits, you probably used a clear 'airplane' glue. Weld-On 16 is very similar in viscosity. It is used primarily to bond areas with limited contact since it fills gaps. It will work fine with colored acrylic. The pieces need to be held together as it dries, but you do not need to apply great pressure. The challenge with Weld-On 16, when gluing edges, is that it squeezes out and often shows.

[tapplastics]

That is why liquid TAP Acrylic Cement is recommended.  It will create an invisible glue joint with no squeeze-out.

[fozzieman2]

hi can i use superglue would that work?

[tapplastics]

Super Glue will not weld the plastic the way Acrylic Cement does.

[OldTimeyJunk]

can i use this method to glue POLYCARBONATE?

[tapplastics]

Yes, but the joint will cure much slower. It takes a 7 days for a full cure

[sflyboyRV6]

What is the best way to glue acrylic to aluminum with a watertight bond?

[tapplastics]

Try Devcon Plastic Welder. It is available at TAP Plastics. The aluminum must be properly prepared by sanding and wiping down with acetone prior to gluing.

[sflyboyRV6A]

Can I bond it to other material like aluminum? If so what glue/sealant do you suggest for a water tight joint that will be under a little pressure?

[Goobers200]

the song is a bit corny but the video was very insightful, thanks for posting it

[glasforex]

is acrilic resin toxic to fish enviroment ? i want to paint with acrilic resin something that i will later put in a fish tank.

[tapplastics]

Since you are responding to the video 'How to Glue Acrylic', I will assume you are referring to the acrylic sheet material as opposed to acrylic resin. (Acrylic resin is a liquid.) Acrylic sheet is completely safe for fish. In fact, many aquariums are made out of acrylic. Whether the paint is harmful or not is another story.

[glasforex]

thx for the reply.

[revoltkid123]

this is so neat! i collect tarantulas, and i think with some practice, i can make some sweet display enclosures!

thank you so much sir!

[joshwashio]

where could you buy acrylic sheets at around 6mm thick and up to about 15 inch long shipping to australia

[tapplastics]

You can order it from our website, but your shipping costs might be prohibitive.

[MetatroN197924]

its anyone know if the same glue can be used in polucarbonate applications?

[tapplastics]

The glue used for acrylic will work with polycarbonate, but the joint will not be as strong or as clear. Polycarbonate does not bond in the same way as acrylic.

[OldTimeyJunk]

@tapplastics this may sound like a stupid question but is PERSPEX ACRYLIC the same as ACRYLIC? Does Perspex just mean "see-through"?

[tapplastics]

Acrylic is a generic term for a specific type of plastic. Perspex is just one company's brand name for acrylic. Plexiglas is another common brand name for acrylic. They are all the same material.

[chondrohead44]

I am going to be building a custom acrylic cage for my green tree python (morelia viridis) thanks tap plastics!

[Trilibites]

Thanks Tapplastics, for clearing that up - tho, you've still not cast-aside or affirmed "fusing" versus "gluing"... two different things. 'Fusing' the plastics (into one unified structure) was the only method strong enough to resist water pressure's @ a 100 ft. or more, (w/ min. 1/2" thick plexiglas) - (3/8" worked down 60 to 80' max. depth).

(for 'megaplatypus', it's simple inversion - if it'l keep water out - it'll keep water in. ;-)

[tapplastics]

For simplicity, we have used the term 'gluing', though technically it is incorrect when referring to acrylic. The acrylic cement 'welds' the two pieces together so that they are literally one. The joint then becomes the strong point because the plastic is thickest there. For submersion in water, the key is using acrylic thick enough to withstand the pressure without imploding.

[megaplatypus]

Will an acrylic box made this way hold water?

[tapplastics]

Yes, but be sure to use thick enough material. Water is very heavy and will bow the sides of material that is too thin.

[Trilibites]

I guess I'm getting educated here.

I was engaged in "fusing" Pexiglas in the 60's and 70's when (commercial built) underwater camera housings started in the $thousands$. I've heard of plastic welding only as applied to little 'hot air' guns & plastic rod's used very simular to brazing. But, not chemically 'gluing or welding' plexiglas! Parts are solvent

"fused" into one (very strong) piece.

[tapplastics]

The welding process with rods that you describe is generally for plastics that are resistant to solvents, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Acrylic on the other hand readily bonds with the use of acrylic cement and would not work with the other welding method.

[summerfunrides]

thank you very much for your input and your responce

[Trilibites]

Is polycarbonate the same thing as (tm) Lexan?

[tapplastics]

Lexan is the trade name created by GE when they made polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is the generic name.

[summerfunrides]

is that the same as plexiglas? im wanting to build a large box to put on the gurage window so the cats can go in and out (something like a bay window but with access). can you drill holes in this and can it be mounted to wood.thank you

[tapplastics]

Plexiglas is just a brand name for acrylic. Same stuff. Yes, you can drill acrylic, but use a bit designed for plastic or you will likely crack the acrylic. If you want something tougher, but still clear, consider polycarbonate. It is virtually unbreakable.

[bhudapop]

if your working with a solvent shouldn't you use neoprene gloves rather than regular latex gloves?

[tapplastics]

If used properly, there should be no contact with the solvent. For this kind of use, latex is adequate. But you are right, neoprene has better solvent resistance.

[Joeleonzvidz]

can u glue acrylic with super glue?

[tapplastics]

Super Glue would not form the same structural bond as Acrylic Cement.

[habibi798496]

hi! how can I glue acrylic to wall?

[tapplastics]

Many adhesives have solvents which will damage acrylic. Use a product called Mirror Mastic available at our website.  It comes in a caulking tube and is easy to use.

[r32adt3db]

If I wanted to make a port for a camera housing to be used in the surf zone (turbulent salt water), would this acrylic cement be applicable? What product would you recommend?

[tapplastics]

If you are gluing acrylic to acrylic, then Acrylic Cement is recommended in fresh or salt water. If you are gluing acrylic to something else, then the adhesive choice would depend on what the other material is.

[boomaa42893]

what if u are gluing acrylic to plastic would this still work

[tapplastics]

Acrylic cement will work on many plastics, but not all. You would need to test it for your specific application.

[LordoftheReef]

When making aquariums does this provide a water tight seal or would you need to also use something like silicone? If done wrong (you find a leak) is the job simply shot and you need to start over with new pieces?

[tapplastics]

Properly done acrylic glue joints are water tight. However, water pressure is often underestimated and too thin a plastic is used. This causes the plastic to bend under pressure, and this can damage the glue joint. Leaky glue joints can be repaired with Weld-on 16 which is a thickened acrylic cement. If you use silicone, make sure it is approved for aquarium use.

[MirokuKneda]

Very informative video! I'll be sure to check out guys site to and maybe even buy some things. I may need to "glue" some acrylic panels together. By the way, has anyone said that you sound like Mr. Rogers?

[akileo1234]

Is there any way I can remove the marks left on the plastic sheet while welding?

[tapplastics]

It depends on how bad the mark is. Your best bet is to try the Novus Scratch Removal System. If the mark is too bad, you will need a new piece of acrylic.

[antcowan]

rub it with 600 grit w&d paper and then polish with brasso gets it back to perfect for me, if its very slight the brasso alone will be ok.

[speedsk8r010]

Where can i buy acrylic sheets?

[tapplastics]

They are available at our website.

[Raych1974]

Do you use this same process if you are gluing two round tubes together?

[tapplastics]

Yes, if they are acrylic, the process would be essentially the same. If you are joining two curved areas with very little surface contact, use a thickened cement such as Weld-On #16 Adhesive, available at our website.

[zaracki92]

can i do tht to make acrylic aquariums?

[tapplastics]

yes.

[shaolintuber]

What gas do you use for flame polish? What's "map" or "mat" gas you mention? Thanks.

[tapplastics]

The gas demonstrated in the video is MAPP gas. MAPP stands for methylacetylene propadiene. It burns hotter than propane, so is better for flame polishing. Most hardware stores carry it right next to their propane bottles.

[canslabx]

Is needle thickness important? What is the gauge or diameter of your needles?

[tapplastics]

The applicator shown in the video uses a 23 gauge needle which has an inside diameter of .0125". If you order it on our website, it is the small BD 25/2 applicator.

[shaolintuber]

What kind of flame should be used for polishing? I thik I've only seen propane at Home Depot.

[tapplastics]

See the comment above about MAPP gas.

[xezarac]

Hi, is the glue cement toxic? can you drink out if a glass made from acrylic pices?

[tapplastics]

The acrylic cement itself is considered a hazardous material. See the MSDS on our site. However, it completely evaporates away from the glue joint as the plastic bonds. So, a fully cured joint has no acrylic cement remaining behind.  The evaporation process may take several days even though the joint is strong much sooner.

[Luedeke23]

can polycarbonate be bonded like this? if so what glue should i use?

[tapplastics]

Yes it can, but polycarbonate will not produce as strong a glue joint as acrylic.

[s15specs]

What should I do in this case?

I need to stick two pieces of acrylic face to face eg ||>||. I dont want it to fog up.

[PlasticNerd]

And enjoy that crazed edge when using map gas to polish, and stress the plastic.

[tapplastics]

Crazing happens if you glue after flame polishing. Always glue first, allow to dry, then flame polish.

[takonigiri]

Crazing can still happen on glued but fully cured joints. If you want no chance of crazing don't flame polish but buff instead.

[takonigiri]

Yeah! I use propane and oxygen. If you don't flame polish correctly the edge will craze and crack.

[PlasticNerd]

Weld On #16 is nowhere near solvent when it comes to bonding.

[tapplastics]

Weld On #16 is designed for filling gaps or when there is little contact area, such as gluing a sphere to a flat surface. Otherwise, regular acrylic cement is definitely preferred.

[jimBoRare]

You should sand a flat spot on the sphere, then use the solvent. That is the better solution.

[Aldawok12]

TAP-TAP PLASTICS thats my new theme song XD

[nick360700]

is this water proof and safe for fishes???

[tapplastics]

A good glue joint is water tight and safe for fish if allowed to cure for 7 days before adding water. Make sure the tank walls have proper support and are thick enough to withstand the weight of water.

[johnk1techexperience]

nice tutorial

[gremlinkiller]

mmm now to make a custom pc case that dont look stupid like all the 1s out their already

[zackcarnes]

make a nice bong

[LOGonover]

that was rly helpful, now i can make plexiglass terrariums :)

[muskiejack]

Very useful. Thanks for posting. Now I have to think of things to make with plastics.

[Americo1974]

lol

[jessi330]

Great!

[tuninglatinocom]

lol

[moxee33]

Great video!